Sea Turtle Guided Snorkeling with Underwater Photos Akumal

Akumal, the place of the turtles

Akumal means place of the turtles in the Maya language, and the name still fits. This small coastal community sits on the Riviera Maya, about 100 kilometres south of Cancun and some 25 kilometres north of Tulum, around a calm crescent bay protected by a reef. Green sea turtles come here all year to feed on the seagrass meadows, only a few metres from the beach.

How to get to Akumal? It lies just off the federal highway between Cancun and Tulum, with a well-marked turn-off. Our meeting point is a short walk from the beach, past the corner convenience store and through a white arch, with paid parking right opposite. Arrive 15 minutes early, as the time slots are scheduled one after another.

Tsuuk Akumal Natural Park and the protected circuit

To protect the turtles, the bay was declared a refuge for marine species in 2016, and swimming in the turtle area is only allowed along marked circuits with a licensed guide. Your ticket includes the wristband for Tsuuk Akumal Natural Park, the community-run area that gives access to the official circuit, one of the best-known turtle spots on the Mexican Caribbean.

The rules are simple and strict: follow your guide, never touch or feed the animals, keep your distance and do not use sunscreen in the water, as it harms the reef. The guide explains everything in a 15-minute briefing on the beach. Is Akumal worth visiting? For a calm, respectful swim with sea turtles close to shore, it is one of the best places on the coast.

Snorkelling with green sea turtles in Akumal Bay

Once in the water you float over sandy shallows and seagrass beds, usually only two to four metres deep, looking for turtles grazing on the bottom or rising slowly to breathe. Many are young green turtles that stay in the bay for years, and seeing them up close, calm and unbothered, is the highlight of any Akumal snorkel tour.

Along the way you also see tropical fish, small coral heads, rays and other reef life. Life jackets keep you floating easily, so the activity suits first-time snorkellers. Your guide swims with you for about an hour and takes the underwater photos, so you can simply enjoy the moment. The best time to visit Akumal is late morning, between about 11:00 and 13:00, when the light is good and the crowds are thinner.

Akumal Beach after your swim

After the snorkel you are free to stay on Akumal Beach for the rest of the day, a soft white-sand curve lined with coconut palms and shady palm huts, which you can use when available. Restrooms, showers and changing rooms are included, so you can rinse off and relax without rushing back.

Lockers are not included, so bring only what you need: a towel, a swimsuit and a little cash for parking or snacks. Your photo package is sent by WhatsApp the same day or the next, once you give your name and number on arrival. For many travellers a morning in Akumal, swimming with turtles and then lying under the palms, is the most relaxing day trip on the Riviera Maya.